Oil Painters of America 2026 Membership Enrollment

About the Open Call

2026 Membership enrollment is open for Oil Painters of America (OPA), with membership valid from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. OPA is dedicated to the preservation of representational art. All artists working in the oil medium are encouraged to apply. Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks, and payment is required upon application. Available membership options include: Associate Membership ($80): Open to all artists working with oil medium. Accepted artists are eligible to jury for all shows, including the National Show, and can participate in all online showcases. International Associate Membership ($80): For artists outside the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Benefits include digital newsletters and catalogs, general email distribution, full access to OPA Lunch & Learn webinars and online presentations, eligibility to apply to the Spring Online Showcase competition and awards. International Associates are not eligible for OPA physical exhibitions but may enter the annual Wet Paint Competition if attending the convention. They can vote at general membership meetings but cannot hold office. Signature Membership ($80): Conferred to Associate members meeting specific exhibition criteria within an eight-year period (four national OPA shows; OR three national OPA shows and three regional/salon shows within the last five years). An application must be submitted between June 1 and October 15 for approval at the December board meeting. An alternative is Committee Review for those with three national OPA shows OR two national OPA shows and three OPA regional/salon shows within an indefinite period, with regional/salon shows within the last five years. Master Signature Membership: Conferred by the OPA Board of Directors based on exceptional merit and accomplishment. Typically requires existing Signature Membership. Deadline for submission is September 1. Student Membership (Free): For individuals aged 14-23 with an interest in oil painting. Participants can enter the annual student art competition and access Lunch and Learn webinars. Does not include voting rights or eligibility to hold office. Student Associate Membership ($40): For individuals aged 14-23 working in oil medium. Includes participation in the annual student art competition, all shows, and online showcases. Does not include voting rights or eligibility to hold office. Collectors’ Circle Membership ($80): For art lovers and collectors, offering exclusive access to OPA members-only events, special invitation to the VIP reception at OPA’s National Exhibition, OPA Virtual 4-color National Catalog, virtual quarterly Brushstrokes Newsletter, and invitations to all exhibitions and events. Gallery Membership ($80): For galleries wishing to be listed in OPA’s Gallery Preview, representing at least one current OPA member. Additional contributions are welcome in categories such as Angel ($40-$99), Friend ($100-$499), Patron ($500-$2,499), Benefactor ($2,500-$4,999), Bronze Partner ($5,000-$9,999), Silver Partner ($10,000-$14,999), Gold Partner ($15,000-$19,999), and Platinum Partner ($20,000 or more).

What is Offered

Eligibility to jury for national shows, participation in online showcases, digital newsletters and catalogs, access to online webinars and presentations, eligibility for awards, participation in annual student art competition, exclusive access to members-only events, VIP reception invitations, and gallery listings.

Requirements

Primarily for artists working in the oil medium. Specific requirements vary by membership tier, including age restrictions for student memberships and exhibition history for Signature and Master Signature statuses. Associate membership is required to be eligible for Signature and Master Signature status. International Associate Membership is for artists outside of the United States, Canada, or Mexico.

How to Apply

Apply online by filling out an application and paying dues via the provided button, or apply by mail by printing and filling out an application and sending in dues to Oil Painters of America PO Box 2488 Crystal Lake, Illinois 60039-2488. Renewing members can log into their account to pay dues.